Patterson, Mohler discuss views on Calvinism during conference

Paige Patterson and Albert Mohler have publicly articulated their philosophical differences on the subject of divine election as interpreted by Calvinism. The two seminary presidents discussed Reaching Today’s World Through Differing Views of Election in two breakout sessions of the Southern Baptist Convention Pastors Conference June 12. Both sessions, in a cavernous space occupying three ballrooms at the Sheraton Greensboro Hotel at Four Seasons, drew standing-room-only crowds.

Mohler, a self-described Calvinist and president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., and Patterson, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, gently sparred while emphasizing their mutual love and respect for each other.

Patterson listed reasons “Why I am not a Dortist Calvinist,” speaking of statements made by the Synod of Dort in 1618­–1619. He said he could not find biblical support for “irresistible grace” or “limited atonement” and argued that the Bible links predestination to divine foreknowledge.

“I believe too often Calvinism is the death-knell for evangelism for many people,” Patterson said, while acknowledging that many modern Calvinists, including Mohler, remain evangelistic.

Mohler said he believes “all five points” of Calvinism, then offered nuanced interpretations of several points.

Mohler said he prefers to speak of “effectual calling” rather than “irresistible grace.” 

“We all believe in limited atonement,” Mohler said. “The question is by whom.

“God is a choosing God,” he said, choosing Israel, then the church.

Mohler said every person attending was probably a Calvinist to some degree. Beliefs in inerrancy, substitutionary atonement, divine omniscience and the perseverance of those who accept Christ all owe something to Calvinism, he said.

Belief in world missions “is more recent history” for Calvinists, Mohler said. “What binds us together is that we both believe in a ‘well-met offer’ of the gospel — that when we share the gospel with someone, that he or she can believe and be saved.” (Editors’ Network)